Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MLIS program:

1. Students will demonstrate competency in information and its organization.

2. Students will demonstrate competency in the provision of information services.

3. Students will demonstrate competency in leadership and management in the LIS field.

4. Students will demonstrate competency in research in the LIS field.

5. Students will demonstrate competency in technology in the LIS field.

6. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning and professional development within the LIS field.

See all MLIS Program Competencies.

Degree Requirements

For the Master of Library and Information Science degree, an approved Program of Study with 36 semester hours of graduate course work must be completed with a minimum grade point ratio of 3.00 (B) overall.  Required courses are designed to provide students with an understanding of the information profession and prepare them to demonstrate competency in the areas listed above.  In partial fulfillment of the requirements for graduation, each student will submit an electronic portfolio documenting learning and professional growth during the MLIS program.

Requirements:

• ISCI 701
• ISCI 702
• ISCI 703
• ISCI 704
• ISCI 705
• ISCI 706
• 18 hours of electives
• End-of-Program Portfolio

Students and their advisor will chose a minimum of 18 hours of elective courses.  No more than six (6) hours can be below the 700-level will be accepted on the Program of Study. Elective courses in the School of Information Science and other graduate departments may be used to develop a specialization in one or more areas or to provide a broad, general preparation for the information professions.  A minimum of 30 graduate hours must be completed within the School of Information Science. The remaining 6 hours may be taken in other related academic units of the University. Students have the option of transferring up to six semester hours of graduate course work from colleges or universities other than the University of South Carolina. Courses which will be more than six years old at the time the MLIS degree is awarded may not be included on the student's Program of Study. No more than six semester hours may be earned in independent study credit.

Students must present a grade point average of at least 3.0 (B average) on all courses taken in the program at the time of graduation. Students who earn a grade below B on more than six hours of course work or who make a grade below C in any course will not be allowed to continue in the program (see Policy A5.01, Cancellation of Admission).  Students who receive a grade below C in a course cannot apply the course toward graduation. Students who receive a grade of D+ or D in a required course (i.e., ISCI 701-706; joint program requirements; or NCATE requirements) must retake the course to attain a grade of at least C.

Additionally, Graduate School policy states that graduate students whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) drops below 3.00 will be placed on academic probation and allowed one calendar year to raise the GPA to at least 3.00. Students who do not reach a cumulative 3.00 GPA during this grace period will not be permitted to enroll for further graduate work.